On June 18, 2014, a 41-year-old production supervisor with 19 years of mining experience was killed at a sand and gravel mine. The victim and two contract workers were attempting to remove an impeller that was seized onto the threaded shaft of a centrifugal pump. After several failed attempts to unscrew the impeller, heat from a torch was applied to the enclosed hub on the impeller. While applying heat, the hub exploded and metal fragments struck the victim.
- Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and use methods to properly protect persons.
- Train all persons to understand the hazards associated with the work being performed.
- Do not apply heat or open flame where enclosed spaces such as impeller hubs, mounted tires, suspension struts, or tanks may be subject to explosion except as directed by the manufacturer.
- Always examine materials before applying heat, cutting, or welding to ensure gases from the applied heat can vent.
- Never apply heat to materials before ensuring that flammables/combustibles/explosive materials are not present.
- Never apply heat to materials where pressure build up is possible.
- Do not apply heat or open flame where lubricants, oil, or grease are present.
- Use special tools, provided by the manufacturer, to loosen an impeller on a pump.
- Refer to the maintenance manual, warning labels on the pump, or contact the manufacturer for special safety precautions.
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